Obergefell v. Hodges

"The right to marry must be recognized as applying without distinction to same-sex and opposite-sex couples."

"Denying marriage rights to same-sex couples demeans them by treating them as unequal in dignity and worth."

"The liberty of the person extends to intimate choices that define personal dignity and autonomy."

"Where the law denies a fundamental right to some but grants it to others, the question becomes one of equal protection."

"The institution of marriage has evolved to reflect changing understandings of liberty and equality."

"Same-sex couples deserve the same respect and recognition that opposite-sex couples enjoy in marriage."

"The Court's duty includes protecting fundamental rights even when doing so requires overcoming entrenched prejudices."

"Marriage is the foundation upon which the familial relation is built in our society."

"The right to marry cannot be diminished based on the gender composition of the prospective couple."

"Sustained and consistent denial of marriage rights creates a class of second-class citizens."

"The Constitution's promises of liberty and equality must mean something real to those who invoke them."

"The generations of same-sex couples represent not a rejection of marriage but its embrace."

"States have no authority under the Constitution to prevent same-sex marriage."

"The purpose of the Fourteenth Amendment is to ensure that all citizens enjoy equal protection of the laws."

"Marriage, as an institution, does not lose its fundamental character by being extended to same-sex couples."

"The liberty protected by the Constitution includes the right to choose one's life partner regardless of gender."

"To deny same-sex couples the dignity of marriage is to tell them that they are less worthy of respect and recognition."

"The Constitution protects the right to marry as essential to the pursuit of happiness in a free society."

"The acceptance of same-sex marriage reflects a deeper understanding of what it means to be equal under the law."

"No legitimate state interest can support the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples."

"The right to marry is fundamental because it supports the most intimate human connections and commitments."

"Laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation implicate the fundamental right to marry."

"The conclusion of this Court is that the Constitution guarantees the right to marry for same-sex couples."

"The institution of marriage will be strengthened, not weakened, by the recognition of same-sex marriage."

"Same-sex couples have the same dignity, autonomy, and humanity as opposite-sex couples."

"The right to marry is a liberty interest protected by both Due Process and Equal Protection clauses."

"Marriage is an expression of the deepest human longings for mutual commitment and shared life."

"The Court's role includes vindicating the rights of those who have been unjustly excluded from fundamental protections."

"The evolution toward marriage equality represents the fulfillment, not the destruction, of constitutional principles."

"Equal protection of the law means that no person shall be treated as less worthy because of whom they love."